Finding the Right Fit: Disparities Between Cisgender and Transgender Women Arrested for Prostitution in Baltimore

Abstract

This article highlights gender in Baltimore's court-affiliated prostitution diversion program. Administrative data were gathered over a 19-month period from 616 defendants charged with prostitution in Baltimore City. Using logistic regression, gender was a statistically significant predictor for defendants’ history of substance abuse history or mental illness. Transgender defendants were 81% less likely to report substance abuse (p < .001) and 75% less likely to report mental health problems (p < .001) compared to cisgender defendants. Qualitative findings indicate that transgender participants often engage in prostitution due to discrimination and that current programming provides them with some useful assistance. Recommendations include a need to more appropriately tailor services to the experiences and goals of transgender participants and to combat stigma within and outside the court. Programs must be cognizant of discrimination faced by transgender program participants that may impact the range of options available to them during and after participation.